Player Spotlight: Robert Quinn

In just three seasons of work, Robert Quinn has made his name known as an elite pass rusher in the NFL. And even scarier that, he’s only 25 years old.

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The path Quinn has taken to get to where he is hasn’t been easy. While a senior at Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston South Carolina, Quinn required brain surgery, yes brain surgery to remove a tumor. But, was able to resume football activities and elected to take his talents to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As a freshman in 2008, Quinn recorded 34 tackles and two sacks and was named as the ACC defensive rookie of the year.

As a sophomore, Quinn had 52 tackles and led the ACC  in tackles for losses with 19 and was second in the league and 16th in the nation in sacks with 11. He also forced six fumbles, good enough for fourth in the nation.

But, his junior year was a season to forget as Quinn was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry.

Because of his actions, Quinn is not allowed inside the Kenan Football Center or other athletic facilities on campus.

Quinn then entered the 2011 NFL draft and was selected 14th overall by the St. Louis Rams.

Quinn was singed to a 4-year 9.4 million dollar contact.

As a rookie, Quinn recorded five sacks in 15 games played and 20 total tackles.

In his second year, Quinn had a season to remember. While some players suffer the sophomore slump, this did not apply to Quinn whatsoever has he recorded 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

After doubling his sack total from year one to year two, it would be foolish to think he could double his numbers from year two to year three wouldn’t it? Well, don’t tell that to Quinn. Quinn finished 2013 with 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles. 19 sacks is just 3.5 off the NFL record held by Michael Strahan.

While Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly won the Associated Press Defensive player of the year, Quinn was voted as the player of the year by the Pro Football Writers of America.

In 2014, Quinn added another 10.5 sacks and five more forced fumbles to give him 45 career sacks and 13 forced fumbles through his first four NFL seasons.

Quinn has made the Pro Bowl in consecutive years and will likely be in the running for 2015 as well.

Quinn, like most Rams players is very quietly becoming on the best young pass rushers in the NFL. He isn’t going to drop back in coverage and cover tight ends, he’s a put a hand in the dirt, and muscle his way to the quarterback every snap.

And because of this tremendous start to his career, Quinn signed a six-year extension with the Rams through 2020.

The Rams plan on having Quinn around for a very long time, and at just 25 years old, we could see Quinn in a Rams uniform for the next 10 years. Lets hope he has a couple of rings to go with his numerous sacks.